Match in a Minute: Chris Kamara analyses Bournemouth’s win over Everton

It won’t get easier for them after that 4-0 loss to Manchester City last weekend and their 3-2 midweek League Cup loss to Championship side Preston North End, but a draw against Everton will be great for them.

Niasse had the chance to leave Everton in the summer, with several Premier League clubs reportedly keen on taking him on loan, but he chose to remain and keep up the hopeless fight for his place.

Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku is set to return for Everton.

The striker missed Tuesday’s EFL Cup defeat by Norwich with a toe injury but manager Ronald Koeman is optimistic he will be fit.

Bournemouth were looking the more threatening team, with Jordon Ibe’s pace causing particular problems, and they took a 23rd-minute lead when Stanislas found the top corner with a 25-yard screamer. Everton had only themselves to blame for trailing by that solitary goal at the turnaround, the visitors curiously sluggish in possession.

In a lively opening, Callum Wilson flashed a header wide for Bournemouth in the second minute, while Artur Boruc reacted instinctively to prevent Romelu Lukaku nodding Everton ahead. Jack Wilshere ought to have opened the scoring, only for the lunging Seamus Coleman to deflect the ball on to the bar. Harry Arter’s drive across the face of goal brushed the outside post with Maarten Stekelenburg motionless. First half, Bournemouth were better.

Koeman acknowledged that his side weren’t good enough, but said that things did improve in the second half although his side were unable to find an equaliser.

Boruc had to be alert, however, to bat Deulofeu’s cross away from under his crossbar, Bolasie hammered a shot narrowly over, and Enner Valencia, on as a late substitute, nearly turned in Bolasie’s cross but couldn’t react in time to get his shot on target at the far post.